Biology

Hitmonchan is a tan, humanoid Pokémon that is exclusively male. There are five blunt protrusions on top of its head, and it has extensions resembling pads over its shoulders. It appears to be wearing a light purple tunic and kilt, as well as red boxing gloves and light purple boxing shoes. As this appearance suggests, Hitmonchan specializes in punching. It is able to throw punches too quick to be seen with the naked eye. By punching with a corkscrew motion, it is even capable of drilling through concrete. However, Hitmonchan requires a break every three minutes while fighting. Despite the need for frequent breaks, it has an unwavering spirit and will never give up in a difficult situation. Usually found in urban areas, it is rarely seen in the wild.

Another classic replay of the Hitmonlee versus Hitmonchan battle was performed in Pasta La Vista. A Trainer named Kyle owned a Hitmonchan that was used in battle to decide the fate of his father's fighting dojo.

In Pokémon Origins

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Crystal is seen with a Hitmonchan nicknamed Monlee which he first appeared in Slugging Out with Slugma, in her capture team, who is capable of blindingly fast punching attacks. In Lively Larvitar, the origin of Crystal's Hitmonchan is revealed: he, along with Crystal's Natu, Parasect, and Cubone, were wild Pokémon living in Mt. Mortar and had fought with a local Arcanine that had gone berserk from a severe eye injury. Hitmonchan became Crystal's arms while hers were being healed.

Trivia

Hitmonchan learns the most increased-priority moves by leveling up out of all Pokémon, with six.

Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee are the only Pokémon not previously related through an evolution family that later gained a shared pre-evolution.

Origin

Hitmonchan may be a personification of boxing. The colors of Hitmonchan's gloves in its normal and Shiny colorations are a reference to the red corner and blue corner in boxing. Its Gold, HeartGold, Generation V, and X Pokédex entries mention that it needs a short break after fighting for three minutes, which is a reference to the duration of rounds in boxing.